Kate Broderick
Occupational Therapist & Speech Pathologist
Kate graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT) in 2001. She initially entered the corporate sector working with adults who had sustained workplace injuries, however, a strong interest in paediatrics quickly lead her to accept a full time role working with children in private practice. Six months after graduating as an Occupational Therapist, Kate decided to take up some part time study in linguistics at Macquarie University. Kate’s passion for literacy was truly ignited at this time. She was excited by the progress her clients made when using a phonics-based method for literacy intervention, and was further encouraged when her studies reinforced her clinical observations.
With a growing desire to help children experiencing a range of communication difficulties, Kate enrolled in the Clinical Masters of Speech Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She then opened her first Occupational Therapy clinic in the Western suburbs of Sydney, and in 2005, Kate graduated with both her Masters of Speech Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences. After a busy couple of years working and studying, Kate was looking forward to dedicating herself exclusively to clinical work.
Sydney SPOT’s first Eastern suburbs clinic was opened in Bondi in 2006. At this location, Kate was lucky to have other experienced and enthusiastic Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists join the team. Professional development has always been a priority for Kate. As part of her Masters she completed research examining barriers to Evidence Based Practice in Private Practice, and Kate strives to ensure both she and her colleagues are able to offer care that reflects their dedication to professional development.
Kate has over 10 years’ experience in the Spalding Method and has trained in other literacy approaches, including: THRASS, MultiLit, the Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing Program and the Seeing Stars Program. Kate has trained and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell’s Visualization Verbalization Program, which supports the maturation of comprehension skills. She also regularly attends professional development courses in fields aside from literacy, including: Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children (Rhea Paul), The Management of Stuttering in School-Age Clients, Auditory Processing Disorder (Wayne Wilson), Assessing & Teaching Social Skills (Alex Kelly), Cued Articulation (Jane Passy), Parents & Children Together (PACT) and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Workshops (Caroline Bowen), the Working with Children with Speech Impairment Workshop (Sharynne McLeod), Paediatric Feeding Education Programme (Anderson, Bruce, Slater & Starr) and Orthodontics and Speech (Derek Mahony). Kate is a Certified Hanen 'It Talkes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist.
In the field of Occupational Therapy, Kate is trained in The TEACCH Autism Programme (Gary Mesibov),Therapeutic Listening (Sheila Frick), the Wilbarger Therabrushing Technique for sensory defensiveness (Patricia Wilbarger) and DIR/Floortime ApproachTM (Dr Stanley Greenspan).
As many of her clients are at risk of experiencing difficulties with anxiety and depression, Kate has completed the course; Mindfulness & Self-Regulation for Adults and Children, with Dr Koke Saavedra.
Finally, Kate is also proud to be an accredited Cogmed Working Memory Program Coach.
When she is not working with children and their families, Kate loves spending time with her husband and their beautiful baby girl.
Kate graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT) in 2001. She initially entered the corporate sector working with adults who had sustained workplace injuries, however, a strong interest in paediatrics quickly lead her to accept a full time role working with children in private practice. Six months after graduating as an Occupational Therapist, Kate decided to take up some part time study in linguistics at Macquarie University. Kate’s passion for literacy was truly ignited at this time. She was excited by the progress her clients made when using a phonics-based method for literacy intervention, and was further encouraged when her studies reinforced her clinical observations.
With a growing desire to help children experiencing a range of communication difficulties, Kate enrolled in the Clinical Masters of Speech Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She then opened her first Occupational Therapy clinic in the Western suburbs of Sydney, and in 2005, Kate graduated with both her Masters of Speech Language Pathology and a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Sciences. After a busy couple of years working and studying, Kate was looking forward to dedicating herself exclusively to clinical work.
Sydney SPOT’s first Eastern suburbs clinic was opened in Bondi in 2006. At this location, Kate was lucky to have other experienced and enthusiastic Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists join the team. Professional development has always been a priority for Kate. As part of her Masters she completed research examining barriers to Evidence Based Practice in Private Practice, and Kate strives to ensure both she and her colleagues are able to offer care that reflects their dedication to professional development.
Kate has over 10 years’ experience in the Spalding Method and has trained in other literacy approaches, including: THRASS, MultiLit, the Lindamood Bell Phoneme Sequencing Program and the Seeing Stars Program. Kate has trained and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell’s Visualization Verbalization Program, which supports the maturation of comprehension skills. She also regularly attends professional development courses in fields aside from literacy, including: Assessment and Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Young Children (Rhea Paul), The Management of Stuttering in School-Age Clients, Auditory Processing Disorder (Wayne Wilson), Assessing & Teaching Social Skills (Alex Kelly), Cued Articulation (Jane Passy), Parents & Children Together (PACT) and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) Workshops (Caroline Bowen), the Working with Children with Speech Impairment Workshop (Sharynne McLeod), Paediatric Feeding Education Programme (Anderson, Bruce, Slater & Starr) and Orthodontics and Speech (Derek Mahony). Kate is a Certified Hanen 'It Talkes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist.
In the field of Occupational Therapy, Kate is trained in The TEACCH Autism Programme (Gary Mesibov),Therapeutic Listening (Sheila Frick), the Wilbarger Therabrushing Technique for sensory defensiveness (Patricia Wilbarger) and DIR/Floortime ApproachTM (Dr Stanley Greenspan).
As many of her clients are at risk of experiencing difficulties with anxiety and depression, Kate has completed the course; Mindfulness & Self-Regulation for Adults and Children, with Dr Koke Saavedra.
Finally, Kate is also proud to be an accredited Cogmed Working Memory Program Coach.
When she is not working with children and their families, Kate loves spending time with her husband and their beautiful baby girl.
Francesca Radvin
Occupational Therapist
Francesca graduated from Sydney University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT). Since graduating, she worked in the corporate sector specialising in rehabilitation and ergonomics. She also worked in hospital and community based settings in London. During this time, Francesca obtained a Masters in OHS Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Following her return from London, Francesca worked in various paediatric fields including private practice and schools. She has been passionate about developing her paedeatric knowledge and has attended various short courses including "Getting it Write", Lindamood Bell "Visualising and Verbalising", "Getting Kids in Sync" presented by Genevieve Jereb, in addition to also being Spalding trained.
Francesca loves working with children and her areas of specialty include handwriting, written expression, furthering and developing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, coordination, balance and self care.
Outside of work, Francesca loves spending time with her family. As a mum, Francesca is able to relate to the many experiences that our parents face every day.
Francesca graduated from Sydney University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (OT). Since graduating, she worked in the corporate sector specialising in rehabilitation and ergonomics. She also worked in hospital and community based settings in London. During this time, Francesca obtained a Masters in OHS Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Following her return from London, Francesca worked in various paediatric fields including private practice and schools. She has been passionate about developing her paedeatric knowledge and has attended various short courses including "Getting it Write", Lindamood Bell "Visualising and Verbalising", "Getting Kids in Sync" presented by Genevieve Jereb, in addition to also being Spalding trained.
Francesca loves working with children and her areas of specialty include handwriting, written expression, furthering and developing gross motor skills, fine motor skills, coordination, balance and self care.
Outside of work, Francesca loves spending time with her family. As a mum, Francesca is able to relate to the many experiences that our parents face every day.
Danielle Ryan
Speech Pathologist
Danielle developed a genuine appreciation and empathy for people facing communication challenges through her extensive travels and her experiences living, working and going to school in various non-English speaking countries. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Danielle went on to complete a Masters in Speech Pathology. Her group research paper was published in Disability and Rehabilitation. Since graduating in 2003, Danielle has enjoyed the challenges and rewards of working in private practice, working with children presenting with various speech, language, literacy, and swallowing difficulties. In 2009, Danielle spent a rewarding six months volunteering in South America. In Peru, she taught basic Spanish literacy and numeracy to underprivileged children and in Bolivia, she developed a computer program to help teach verbal language to children with hearing impairment. In 2010, Danielle joined the Sydney SPOT team where she loves putting her extensive speech pathology experience and passion for helping children reach their communication potential, in to practice. Danielle is trained in the Spalding Method and she is a Hanen Certified 'It Takes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist. Danielle has also completed Karen Stagnitti's workshop addressing Assessment and Intervention for Play Skills. Danielle looks forward to working with you and your child, too!
Danielle developed a genuine appreciation and empathy for people facing communication challenges through her extensive travels and her experiences living, working and going to school in various non-English speaking countries. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Danielle went on to complete a Masters in Speech Pathology. Her group research paper was published in Disability and Rehabilitation. Since graduating in 2003, Danielle has enjoyed the challenges and rewards of working in private practice, working with children presenting with various speech, language, literacy, and swallowing difficulties. In 2009, Danielle spent a rewarding six months volunteering in South America. In Peru, she taught basic Spanish literacy and numeracy to underprivileged children and in Bolivia, she developed a computer program to help teach verbal language to children with hearing impairment. In 2010, Danielle joined the Sydney SPOT team where she loves putting her extensive speech pathology experience and passion for helping children reach their communication potential, in to practice. Danielle is trained in the Spalding Method and she is a Hanen Certified 'It Takes Two to Talk' Speech Pathologist. Danielle has also completed Karen Stagnitti's workshop addressing Assessment and Intervention for Play Skills. Danielle looks forward to working with you and your child, too!
Ashleigh Fattah
Speech Pathologist
Ashleigh completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology at the University of New South Wales, prior to completing a Masters of Speech Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She has experience providing individual and group based speech therapy in a range of clinical environments, including private practice clinics, schools, preschools and nursing homes.
Ashleigh is trained in the Hanen ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ Program for children who are late talkers or have delayed language skills. She has extensive experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and is trained in the Hanen ‘More than Words’ Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ashleigh is passionate about working with children and adults who have apraxia and is trained in the PROMPT Technique for Individuals with Apraxia. She is also certified to provide training for the Proloquo-To-Go alternative communication program used to assist individuals working towards verbal speech. Ashleigh is passionate about professional development and she has attended relevant Speech Pathology Australia workshops such as ‘Speech Sound Disorders, presented by Dr Elise Baker. She has a strong interest in working with individuals who have speech difficulties.’
Ashleigh has provided successful intervention for individuals who have voice disorders and is trained in administering the LSVT Loud Program to people with voice and speech difficulties associated with Parkinson Disease. She also has a keen interest in working with individuals who have fluency disorders and has attended the Australian Speak Easy convention to support her provision of up to date treatment for stuttering.
Ashleigh looks forward to providing speech therapy with goals individually tailored to meet you or your child’s communication needs!
Ashleigh completed her Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology at the University of New South Wales, prior to completing a Masters of Speech Language Pathology at Macquarie University. She has experience providing individual and group based speech therapy in a range of clinical environments, including private practice clinics, schools, preschools and nursing homes.
Ashleigh is trained in the Hanen ‘It Takes Two to Talk’ Program for children who are late talkers or have delayed language skills. She has extensive experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and is trained in the Hanen ‘More than Words’ Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ashleigh is passionate about working with children and adults who have apraxia and is trained in the PROMPT Technique for Individuals with Apraxia. She is also certified to provide training for the Proloquo-To-Go alternative communication program used to assist individuals working towards verbal speech. Ashleigh is passionate about professional development and she has attended relevant Speech Pathology Australia workshops such as ‘Speech Sound Disorders, presented by Dr Elise Baker. She has a strong interest in working with individuals who have speech difficulties.’
Ashleigh has provided successful intervention for individuals who have voice disorders and is trained in administering the LSVT Loud Program to people with voice and speech difficulties associated with Parkinson Disease. She also has a keen interest in working with individuals who have fluency disorders and has attended the Australian Speak Easy convention to support her provision of up to date treatment for stuttering.
Ashleigh looks forward to providing speech therapy with goals individually tailored to meet you or your child’s communication needs!
Zohara Nguyen
Speech Pathologist
Zohara is the first-born of a set of triplets and comes from a family that have a health/biomedical background. She completed a Bachelor of Biotechnology, however, her passion to work with children and her interest in communication inspired her to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney.
Zohara has an interest in technologies that can be applied in speech pathology to maximise a person’s communication and participation within the community, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. Zohara especially enjoys working with both children and adults with speech, language and fluency difficulties. She has volunteered with language programs for children approaching kindergarten as well as stuttering workshops for adolescents. Zohara is certified in the Spalding Method and she is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell's Visualization Verbalization Program, which assists children in developing comprehension and higher order thinking skills. Zohara is committed to tailoring intervention to the individual needs of each child and their family.
Outside of work, Zohara is known by friends for her love of baking!
Zohara is the first-born of a set of triplets and comes from a family that have a health/biomedical background. She completed a Bachelor of Biotechnology, however, her passion to work with children and her interest in communication inspired her to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at the University of Sydney.
Zohara has an interest in technologies that can be applied in speech pathology to maximise a person’s communication and participation within the community, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technologies. Zohara especially enjoys working with both children and adults with speech, language and fluency difficulties. She has volunteered with language programs for children approaching kindergarten as well as stuttering workshops for adolescents. Zohara is certified in the Spalding Method and she is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell's Visualization Verbalization Program, which assists children in developing comprehension and higher order thinking skills. Zohara is committed to tailoring intervention to the individual needs of each child and their family.
Outside of work, Zohara is known by friends for her love of baking!
Romina Cicala
Speech Pathologist
Romina graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor in Applied Science (Speech Pathology). Since then she has worked with children between the ages of 18 months and 18 years and their families. Romina has experience working with children with speech, language, literacy and fluency disorders both within the clinic and in schools and preschools. She also has a special interest in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental delays. Romina is certified in the Spalding Method and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell's Visualization Verbalization Program, which assists children in developing comprehension and higher order thinking skills. Romina has a family centered approach to intervention with a focus on strengthening children’s ability to cope within their environment by fostering their communication skills.
In her spare time Romina loves to spend time with her family and cook (especially cupcakes!).
Romina graduated from Sydney University with a Bachelor in Applied Science (Speech Pathology). Since then she has worked with children between the ages of 18 months and 18 years and their families. Romina has experience working with children with speech, language, literacy and fluency disorders both within the clinic and in schools and preschools. She also has a special interest in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and developmental delays. Romina is certified in the Spalding Method and is experienced in the use of Nanci Bell's Visualization Verbalization Program, which assists children in developing comprehension and higher order thinking skills. Romina has a family centered approach to intervention with a focus on strengthening children’s ability to cope within their environment by fostering their communication skills.
In her spare time Romina loves to spend time with her family and cook (especially cupcakes!).
Candice Silver
Speech Pathologist
Candice completed her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, prior to completing a Masters in Speech Pathology at Macquarie University. Since finishing her studies, she has worked in private practice with children aged between 18 months and 18 years.
Candice has successfully assisted clients with a range of communication difficulties including Autism, attention deficit disorders, Down syndrome, hearing impairments, speech and language delays, stuttering, social skill difficulties and difficulties with literacy. She also has experience running social skill groups for children in grades 2-4, and literacy groups for children in grades K-2. Candice is passionate about family centred practice and in tailoring Speech Pathology goals to be functional and beneficial for both the child and their family.
Candice has recently attended an Autism essentials and emotional regulation workshop presented by Monique Simpson and a workshop on Childhood Apraxia of Speech presented by Caroline Bowen.
Candice is excited to be a member of the Sydney SPOT team and is looking forward to working with you and your child!!
Candice completed her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, prior to completing a Masters in Speech Pathology at Macquarie University. Since finishing her studies, she has worked in private practice with children aged between 18 months and 18 years.
Candice has successfully assisted clients with a range of communication difficulties including Autism, attention deficit disorders, Down syndrome, hearing impairments, speech and language delays, stuttering, social skill difficulties and difficulties with literacy. She also has experience running social skill groups for children in grades 2-4, and literacy groups for children in grades K-2. Candice is passionate about family centred practice and in tailoring Speech Pathology goals to be functional and beneficial for both the child and their family.
Candice has recently attended an Autism essentials and emotional regulation workshop presented by Monique Simpson and a workshop on Childhood Apraxia of Speech presented by Caroline Bowen.
Candice is excited to be a member of the Sydney SPOT team and is looking forward to working with you and your child!!
Heidi Begg
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Speech Pathologist
Heidi’s desire to pursue a career in Speech Pathology was originally inspired by her older brother, who has Down syndrome. Heidi’s keen interest in working with children, as well as in the disability sector, saw her employed as both a nanny and disability support worker whilst completing her Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree, at the University of Queensland, Brisbane. Heidi has experience working with children aged 6 months to 18 years of age in a variety of school, home, and clinic environments. She has supported children and their families with swallowing and food aversion difficulties, speech delays and disorders, language and literacy difficulties, social skills difficulties, attention disorders and anxiety-based learning and language difficulties. Heidi is particularly experienced working in early intervention with children under 5 years of age with disabilities and developmental delays. |
Heidi has also worked for a large Sydney hospital in both acute inpatient and rehabilitation settings, for adults who have acquired speech, language, swallowing and voice difficulties.
Coming from a large family of 6 and growing up on a cattle property in Queensland, Heidi is a keen equestrienne and has regularly been a riding instructor for children at her local Pony Club. Her broad range of experience working with children in different settings, as both a carer and clinician, supports the strong family centred approach she takes with each individual client. Heidi believes in collaboratively setting holistic and functional goals with each client and their families. She very much looks forward to working with you and your child at Sydney SPOT!
Coming from a large family of 6 and growing up on a cattle property in Queensland, Heidi is a keen equestrienne and has regularly been a riding instructor for children at her local Pony Club. Her broad range of experience working with children in different settings, as both a carer and clinician, supports the strong family centred approach she takes with each individual client. Heidi believes in collaboratively setting holistic and functional goals with each client and their families. She very much looks forward to working with you and your child at Sydney SPOT!
Lindy Abelsohn
Psychologist
Lindy has over 8 years experience in the Educational and Developmental field, providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood disorders such as anxiety and depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behaviour, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and other known childhood concerns such as emotion regulation, social skills, self esteem, sleeping and eating issues.
Lindy works with children, adolescents and their families in a clinical setting, and home environment, providing one on one intervention and parenting support. Lindy also provides support to preschools/daycare, schools, teachers, and other professionals across the Sydney Metropolitan region, to help achieve the best for the child.
Lindy has worked in a range of settings including, schools, public health and most recently in a well-known private practice designing, managing and implementing Applied Behavioural Analysis programs to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and providing psychological intervention to children and parents for a range of childhood disorders. Lindy is proficient in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) as well as cognitive and academic assessment using the Weschler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC-IV), and the Weschler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III). In addition, Lindy is well practiced in general child development using the Bayley-III, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression.
Lindy has a wealth of knowledge around child development and has completed courses in Cognitive Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Working with Adolescents, Suicide Prevention and general counselling. In her practice, Lindy endeavours to improve the quality of life for children and their families.
Lindy is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), and an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Lindy has over 8 years experience in the Educational and Developmental field, providing assessment, diagnosis and treatment for a range of childhood disorders such as anxiety and depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, behaviour, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), and other known childhood concerns such as emotion regulation, social skills, self esteem, sleeping and eating issues.
Lindy works with children, adolescents and their families in a clinical setting, and home environment, providing one on one intervention and parenting support. Lindy also provides support to preschools/daycare, schools, teachers, and other professionals across the Sydney Metropolitan region, to help achieve the best for the child.
Lindy has worked in a range of settings including, schools, public health and most recently in a well-known private practice designing, managing and implementing Applied Behavioural Analysis programs to children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and providing psychological intervention to children and parents for a range of childhood disorders. Lindy is proficient in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and the Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R) as well as cognitive and academic assessment using the Weschler Intelligence Scale for children (WISC-IV), and the Weschler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III). In addition, Lindy is well practiced in general child development using the Bayley-III, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression.
Lindy has a wealth of knowledge around child development and has completed courses in Cognitive Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Working with Adolescents, Suicide Prevention and general counselling. In her practice, Lindy endeavours to improve the quality of life for children and their families.
Lindy is a registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), and an Associate member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
